I’ve noticed recently how holding on to hurtful things said and done to me affects my level of anxiety. And when I forgive people who’ve said or done something to hurt me, my anxiety is significantly alleviated.
The following is a prayer I use when I need to forgive others.
Lately, I’ve had to pray this prayer a lot.
Sometimes, I use it as a part of my morning prayers to “clear out” from my heart any unforgiveness before I start the day.
I begin by asking Jesus to bring to my heart any people I need to forgive. He always responds gently and shows me who and what I need to forgive. And sometimes, He shows me I need to forgive myself. Then, I pray this prayer below.
If there are multiple people I need to forgive, I usually pray it for each person individually (although it could be prayed in a more general manner).
I share this prayer below in case someone else may find it helpful.
“I cannot believe that a soul which has arrived so near to Mercy itself, where she knows what she is, and how many sins God has forgiven her, should not instantly and willingly forgive others, and be pacified and wish well to everyone who has injured her, because she remembers the kindness and favors our Lord has shown her, whereby she has seen proofs of exceeding great love, and she is glad to have an opportunity offered to show some gratitude to her Lord.”
— St. Teresa of Avila
Forgiveness Prayer
Jesus, I desire to love. I desire to live in Your peace and freedom.
Jesus, You know the areas of my heart where I struggle to forgive.
You know I have been wounded and hurt. You see in my heart where I harbor anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge.
Jesus, because of those wounds, I judge others. Specifically, I have judged ______________ [name of person] for ______________ [what was said and/or done]. That judgment is a sin. It leads me away from You so that I rely on myself, and in doing so, I make myself the judge of others, as well as myself.
Jesus, I ask that You forgive me for this sin of judging ______________ [name]. Jesus, I ask that You heal the wounds of my heart.
Jesus, I ask that You free ______________ [name] and me from any ties that bind us to this judgment and keep us from living in Your love and peace.
Jesus, I desire ______________’s [name] salvation, their eternal joy with You. I desire that for myself as well, Jesus, to spend forever with You.
Jesus, I surrender myself and ______________ [name] into Your Most Sacred Heart. Fill us with Your hope and Your peace. Immerse us in Your healing mercy and love.
May we be all Yours. Now and forevermore. Amen.
I would also like to mention another prayer that has helped with my ability to forgive is the Litany of Humility.
May the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary give us consolation, hope, and healing as we strive to surrender to Our Beloved Jesus more completely each and every day.
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